Accepting Hardship As A Way To Peace

Saturday October 12, 2024

When we pray the full version of the Serenity Prayer, what are we asking God to do for us? “… accepting hardship as a pathway to peace; taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is not as I would have it, trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will...”

Many of us came into recovery because the hardships of life in addiction became more than we were able to cope with. Getting sober and cleaning up took care of some of the problems but other painful issues we had buried suddenly became front and center in our thoughts and emotions. Health and money problems, education and employment issues, and relationship breakdowns are all issues that are painful to deal with, especially by those of us who chose to bury the related events in the haze of our addictive dependency.

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. He [God] gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. (2 Thessalonians 3:3; Isaiah 40:29 NIV)

Jesus faced hardship in his life on earth. He was persecuted by the evil and sin that brought Him to earth to die on the cross. However, Jesus overcame death and rose to life again. Jesus’ resurrection changes everything because we can now have the amazing power of God’s Holy Spirit living in us, strengthening us to be overcomers as we courageously face painful challenges.

As we face the adversities of worry, irritation, stress or anger, together with the God who cares for us, we will find that He is faithful in all His ways to support and help us. God gives us all that we need to get through the hardships we encounter, and what a joy it is to experience the peace that awaits us on the other side.

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (1 John 4:4, Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I’m through running. I put my trust in You to give me the strength I need to stand firm and face whatever comes my way. Amen

Video Encouragement and Prayer

Accepting Hardship As A Way To Peace

Audio for Accepting Hardship As A Way To Peace

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